Study Group announces the appointment of new Chief Executive Ian Crichton

Study Group announces the appointment of new Chief Executive Ian Crichton

Study Group is pleased to announce a number of changes in its global leadership which will support its work with university partners to provide outstanding teaching for students from around the world.

• The role of Chief Executive will be taken up by Ian Crichton. 
• Outgoing Chief Executive Emma Lancaster will remain as a member of Study Group’s global Board.

Ian is a highly experienced CEO with a diverse international background including leadership roles in blue chip (FMCG) companies, electronics, health, business services and software. He comes to Study Group with a strong commercial track record and experience in driving service transformation through a combination of deep strategic partnering, digital enablement and product development. Having worked in and with the NHS, Ian understands the particular challenges of sectors with significant regulation, the importance of public service and the difference that committed, capable people really can make to other people’s lives. Ian’s career has taken him to over 40 countries and most recently saw him serving as Chief Executive of Servelec, a British health informatics company supplying software to the healthcare, social care and education sectors.

Welcoming the news of his appointment, Ian Crichton said:

“I am delighted to take up the role of CEO for Study Group at this exciting time, as international education once again opens its door for students from around the world after the pandemic, and as we work ever more closely with our University partners to offer an excellent education and drive innovation which helps students to gain the most from their education.

I’ve been deeply impressed by Study Group’s clear commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Now I’m looking forward to helping Study Group go from strength to strength, and to support the team to deliver even more.” 

Chair of Study Group’s Global Board Ralph Kugler said:

“We are delighted to welcome Ian Crichton to Study Group at this exciting time for the company. Study Group is keen to take the next step in its growth as the leading provider of international education solutions and Ian is well placed to help us succeed in this ambition.

“I would also like to thank Emma Lancaster for her superb work as the Chief Executive of Study Group since 2018 and prior to that as Chief Financial Officer. In her ten years at Study Group Emma has been an exemplary leader, focused on the needs of students, universities and on digital innovation. She also ably steered the company through the many challenges of a global pandemic, ensuring our students were still able to progress to their chosen universities. Emma passes on the baton to Ian at a moment of opportunity for the international education sector and the company.”

Other recent staffing changes include:

• Study Group Senior Advisor Professor David Lefevre will join Study Group’s Academic Board in September. Professor Lefevre was the founder of the EdTech Lab at Imperial College where he is a Professor of Practice focused on digital innovation in education, as well of Study Group online education platform Insendi. David also serves on the Board of the British Council.
• Steve Pinches has joined Study Group as Chief Product Officer from a background in digital innovation for organisations including TES and the Financial Times.